Front spring install

[Guest]

Hi guys, my shiny new sonic springs have arrived!
ive read through my manual and the info provided with them, but I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips/tricks or handy info to share on installing them before I start?
thanks

[glib]

Hi guys, my shiny new sonic springs have arrived!
ive read through my manual and the info provided with them, but I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips/tricks or handy info to share on installing them before I start?
thanks

First, please create a signature which includes your bike model (81 550) so that we’ll know the bike you are referencing.

I just installed Sonic springs and Race Tech emulators. Follow Rich’s instruction related to fork oil and level. Without emulators it’s pretty strait forward. Make your measurements for the spacers carefully. The recommendations were right on the money for me. It’s a good upgrade.

[mrbill5491]

Hi guys, my shiny new sonic springs have arrived!
ive read through my manual and the info provided with them, but I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips/tricks or handy info to share on installing them before I start?
thanks

Just make sure everything else with the forks is good, ie slider bushings, orings and of course new fork seals and dust boots.

[Boriqua]

I have antidive so it made it a touch more challenging but if your bike is without antidive it is bone simple.

Things to consider. You will need a way of keeping the front end up while you remove the front end. Some guys have been able to use a jack under the engine but I built a simple wooden A frame because I didnt have room for the jack.

Be sure to not only drain your old oil but I gave a bit of a shake with some mineral spirits inside the tubes to get out any extra gunk and let them dry completely.

The instructions that came with the springs were dead on for preload for me. My front end is AMAZING after the spring swap.

Its best to use a miter box to cut the pvc just so you have an accurate measure.

Other than that .. no anti dive = easy peasy

[Nev]

Thanks fellas, what about the ‘ special tool ‘ ?
they seem pretty straight forward to knock up, or am I best off getting the Suzuki one?

[Boriqua]

If you are only swapping oil and springs you dont need it. If you are doing seals then you will.

[salty_monk]

If you have air assist on those forks you can remove the circlip & pump in air to remove the seals (after emptying oil) if you want.. If not I have manage to put a screw through them & pull them out before (if you don't want to release the fork).

You don't need the special tool, a broom handle & an impact gun work pretty well or you can use the back end of a sparkplug socket (all well documented on here).

I use ATF fluid to flush them out because it's cheap & it won't matter if a minute amount is left in the fork...

[Nev]

Ok cheers, I’m glad I asked now